The Rex name dominates the view as you look down Alderley Road – but it is merely a facade.

Tomorrow marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of Wilmslow’s once-thriving cinema which has passed into history, leaving only its art deco exterior.

Built in 1936 the Rex was the brainchild of Walter Stansby, a developer with a passion for entertainment.

As the popularity of cinema exploded, the Rex brought the glamour of Errol Flynn and Bette Davis to an 1,028-seat auditorium, set amid a complex of shops, a cafe and full stage facilities.

Mavis Timpson from Wilmslow Historical Society said: “It was always desirable to get to the back of the Rex, because that was where they had the double seats!”

Following the war the Rex started to diversify. There would be rock and roll music one night and classical the next as the venue played host to the ‘Club Creole’ Manchester Beat club night and the Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra, as well as ever-popular ballroom. The Rex had always staged plays, but its reputation as a theatrical venue grew.

Local amateur dramatic societies would step aside for professional touring shows, using the venue as a testing ground for the West End.

Household names starred at the Rex including Eric Sykes, Sid James, Kenneth Williams and David Jason. Anthony Riley, who was stage manager, remembers that while locals came out in force to see the pros, they were always just as supportive of the amateur performers.

“In those days it was a real community spirit. You had your big names, but it was things like the panto that would pull everyone together year after year and the place was always packed to the rafters.”

Always run as a family business, latterly by Walter’s sons Ken and John, the Rex closed as a theatre in 1985 and as a cinema 10 years later. It now houses a furniture store.

John Scott was front of house manager during the Rex’s glory days and his daughter Julie Murray remembers him shedding tears when it was decided the Rex would close for good.

Share your own memories of the Rex at facebook.com/ rextheatrewilmslow.